As a lifelong member of the Church, I don't really remember a time when I didn't at least have faith that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Because of this, even though I have gone through challenging times and because I have gone through challenging times, my testimony of Jesus Christ has always become stronger until it has become what it is today. It is simple, but it is 'sufficient' for me.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He willingly came to earth to experience everything, literally everything. I know He lived so I could have an example to follow. He suffered for me in the Garden of Gethsemane. He took upon Himself all of my pains, my sorrows, my sins, my mistakes, my weaknesses, and everything that hurts, as well as everything good in my life. He did it all so that when I turn to Him all throughout my life, "I know. I know what you are going through, and it is going to be okay because I have done it before." I know that Jesus loved me enough that had I somehow been missed in that great Atonement, He would have come back and done it again for me. He would have suffered it if I had been the only one to suffer for. That is powerful to me because I have never been the most self-confident person, and to know that Christ believes in me and loves me enough to suffer and die for me is a knowledge I will always hold dear.
I know that Jesus Christ not only suffered for me then, but He is here with me every step of the way if I will just let Him walk with me. He has been there for me when no one else was. He is my Comforter when I am sorrowful, my strength when I am weak. I know from personal experience that He helps me remember what I need to know to get through my particular trials, through a friend, through the scriptures, through personal revelation. He is always willing to let me know He is there, too.
My favorite verse from the hymn "I Believe in Christ" is the last verse. Part of it says, "And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard, 'Ye shall obtain.'" I love this. I know that He wants me to be happy, which is why He lived, suffered and died for me. He is my older brother and best friend who is always, always there for me. He is encouraging me on, never giving up on me, never failing to love me. And I love Him, oh how I love Him.
